Green Caucus Week in Review 11/16 – 20

Week in Review: Nov 16 - 20 (le français suit)

This week began with a press conference held by Green Party Leader Annamie Paul to illustrate the Green Party’s expectations for the Government’s long-awaited Climate Accountability legislation, Bill C-12, tabled Thursday.

On Tuesday, Elizabeth and Paul engaged in extensive debate on an opposition motion tabled by the Conservative Party. The motion concerned Huawei’s involvement in Canada’s 5G rollout, and a plan to control China’s growing influence in the Canadian economy. Elizabeth reminded her Conservative colleagues that the Harper-era Canada-China Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPA) prevents Canada from putting any significant restrictions on state-owned Chinese companies that would impede their ability to make profit in our country. She asked the government to commit to studying Canada’s obligations under the FIPA, and asked her colleagues to familiarize themselves with the legislation, while Paul recommended that MPs summon expert testimony on the Canada-China FIPA in committee.

On Wednesday, Paul introduced his first Private Member’s Bill on transparency in trade agreements. As the critic for foreign affairs and international trade, Paul defended the public’s right to know how their government is negotiating with other countries. Recently Paul Manly was recognized as a particularly progressive MP by the Canadian Dimension in this article.

In a statement, Jenica addressed alarming rates of homelessness among veterans, and urged the Minister of Veterans Affairs to increase financial support. She also spoke again about her successful amendments to Bill C-3.

Again, this week, all three Green MPs engaged in debate during adjournment proceedings. Adjournment Proceedings allows an MP a more detailed follow-up from the government to a question previously posed during Question Period. Elizabeth demanded that the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard explain why they granted the US Navy permission to test underwater missiles in shared waters off the Pacific North West, and asked the government to press the new President Elect of the United States to reverse this decision. Jenica challenged the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration to commit to an immigration strategy that will strengthen francophone culture in Canada. Paul asked the government to look to other countries for ideas to prevent freighters from anchoring in the Salish Sea.

On Friday, the Green Caucus requested an emergency debate on the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to the speaker, the caucus cited an assertion from Canada’s Chief Medical Officer of Health that Canada could reach 10,000 daily cases within the month, and that while the government focusses on legislation pertaining to other important topics in the House, Canadians remain concerned about the government’s response to the pandemic. The emergency debate was not granted.

This week, Elizabeth participated in a cross-party discussion hosted by the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute and The Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Coalition of Toronto. The panel discussed Canada’s failure to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Key Moments

• Elizabeth May: Injunction Law is a prime example of systemic racism
• Jenica Atwin’s amendments to Bill C-3 are a meaningful step towards reconciliation
• Paul Manly: Cultural sensitivity should be part of all federal jurisdiction
• Elizabeth May: Under Harper, Canada surrendered its sovereignty with the Canada-China FIPA
• Elizabeth May: Canada-China FIPA is unique in terms of secrecy throughout process
• Elizabeth May: Can Canada commit to studying our obligations under the Canada-China FIPA?
• Elizabeth May: Will Canada oppose US Navy underwater bomb testing with new president elect?
• Paul Manly: We should hear expert testimony about the Canada-China FIPA
• Paul Manly tables first Private Members Bill on trade transparency
• Elizabeth May: Bill C-3 is non-partisanship at its best
• Elizabeth May requests an emergency debate on COVID-19 second wave

Question Period and Member’s Statements

• Paul Manly: The government should fund publicly owned labs like Connaught Laboratories
• Jenica Atwin: We honour our veterans with poppies and fail them the rest of the year
• Jenica Atwin: Canada’s immigration strategy should prioritize well-being of newcomers over economic contribution
• Paul Manly: Canada could fix freighter anchorage problem with Australia’s Vessel Arrival system
• Elizabeth May: The government must improve the Climate Accountability Act while there is still time

Press Conferences and Media Releases

• Green Leader Annamie Paul notes silence of opposition leaders during biggest national emergency in 80 years
• Green Party Leader Annamie Paul outlines main expectations for government’s climate accountability legislation
• Press Conference: Green Party Leader Discusses Canada’s Net-Zero Emissions Plan (Nov 16)
• A failure of leadership: Government’s climate bill squanders “the opportunity of a lifetime” for a green economic recovery, says Annamie Paul
• Green Party calls for Emergency Debate on COVID-19
• Green Party Leader discusses Govt’s Net-Zero Emissions Plan (Nov 19)

In Their Own Words​ / Media

• Elizabeth May: Good Sunday Morning November 15
• Paul Manly: Protect endangered orcas from U.S. Navy weapons testing
• New group of progressive MPs are challenging Canada’s foreign policy myths (Canadian Dimension)

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